Initiative

Strategy for the social solidarity initiative

This strategy explains the German Caritas Association’s motivation and objectives, and the methods it intends to employ to help boost solidarity, with all of its various segments.

Social solidarity reflects the quality of our coexistence. Caritas, through the services it provides to others, already contributes to strengthening this solidarity on many levels. Nevertheless, solidarity is facing numerous threats from current social developments: Globalisation and digitalisation are causing strains and divisions. In order to ensure common welfare and solidarity are not threatened, the Caritas initiative will set a course for the respectful treatment of others and a pluralistic society from 2018 to 2020.

Connections to boosting social solidarity

Socially just framework conditions, solidarity and trust in institutions are all prerequisites for solidarity in a pluralistic society. While social justice requires equal participation, empowerment and distribution, assumption of responsibility based on solidarity rests on people who are able to identify with the community. Trust in institutions is promoted when these institutions act responsibly and present their actions in a credible and transparent manner. Differences of opinion strengthen trust when the political discourse takes a path that is appreciate and respectful.

Enabling contact and participation

The German Caritas Association, with all its various segments, firstly attempts to promote a broad understanding of the value - including on Christian grounds - of social solidarity with this initiative. Beyond this, the association also involves itself in social discourse. For this purpose, it looks to people who have been pushed to the edges of society and includes them in the exchange. Empowerment takes precedence over legal representation. Caritas services and institutions are examining how they can develop their contribution to social solidarity further. They may start change processes based on social approaches. And they are developing exemplary concepts and measures through their community work and by creating room for interaction to strengthen solidarity.